BOA3.2 Salamander Taxonomy and Biodiversity.Key

The Biology of Amphibians Agnes Scott College

Mark Mandica Executive Director The Amphibian Foundation [email protected] 678 379 TOAD (8623) Ambystomatidae: Ambystoma tigrinum 3.2: Salamander Taxonomy & Biodiversity

Salamandridae: Salamandra salamandra bernardezi Urodela conspicuous tail CLassification of Order: Caudata

† Suborders Karaurus Cryptobranchidae Hynobiidae Sirenidae Ambystomatidae Salamandridae Proteidae Ryacotritonidae Amphiumidae Plethodontidae 1 Cryptobranchoidea

2 Salamandroidea

† †

Actinopterygian Coelacanth, Tetrapodomorpha †Amniota *Gerobatrachus 1 2 (Ray-ﬁn Fishes) Lungﬁsh (stem-tetrapods) (Reptiles, Mammals)Lepospondyls † (’frogomander’) Eocaecilia GymnophionaKaraurus Caudata Triadobatrachus

Caudata Anura (including Apoda Urodela Prosalirus †)

Salientia Urodela Batrachia Lissamphibia *Gerobatrachus may be the sister taxon Temnospondyls † to Batrachia

Tetrapods

Osteichthyes Sarcopterygian (Bony Fishes) (Lobe-ﬁn Fishes) Batrachia The Biology of Amphibians amphibbio.amphibianfoundation.org Karaurus sp. †

CLassification of Order: Caudata † Karaurus Cryptobranchidae Hynobiidae Sirenidae Ambystomatidae Salamandridae Proteidae Ryacotritonidae Amphiumidae Plethodontidae

† †

Actinopterygian Coelacanth, Tetrapodomorpha †Amniota *Gerobatrachus (Ray-ﬁn Fishes) Lungﬁsh (stem-tetrapods) (Reptiles, Mammals)Lepospondyls † (’frogomander’) Eocaecilia GymnophionaKaraurus Caudata Triadobatrachus

Caudata Anura (including Apoda Urodela Prosalirus †)

Salientia Urodela Batrachia Lissamphibia *Gerobatrachus may be the sister taxon Temnospondyls † to Batrachia

Tetrapods

Osteichthyes Sarcopterygian (Bony Fishes) (Lobe-ﬁn Fishes) Batrachia The Biology of Amphibians amphibbio.amphibianfoundation.org Caudata tailed Order: Caudata (9 Families, 717 sp.)

Family: Cryptobranchidae (3 sp.) Cryptobranchoidea Family: Hynobiidae (67 sp.) Family: Sirenidae (4 sp.) Family: Ambystomatidae (37 sp.) Family: Salamandridae (120 sp.) Salamandroidea Family: Proteidae (8 sp.) 90% of All Salamanders Family: Rhyacotritonidae (4 sp.) Family: Amphiumidae (3 sp.) Family: Plethodontidae (471 sp.) Cryptobranchidae (3 sp.)

Giant Salamanders and Hellbender are found in the eastern United States, China and Japan.

Genera (2): Andrias Tschudi, 1837 (2 sp.) Cryptobranchus Leuckart, 1821 (1 sp.)

They are the largest living amphibians known today.

Synapomorphies Cryptobranchids are specialized suction feeders; due to the presence of ﬂexible symphyseal cartilage at the front of the lower jaw (where both bones meet), they are able to suction feed with the left or right side of their mouth. Males are territorial and make small nests under rocks where eggs are deposited and externally fertilized. Some morphological characters for the group are: 1) ribs unicapitate; 2) operculum fused to the ear capsule (also present in Sirenidae); 3) lacrimals absent; 4) prootic and exoccipitals separate; 5) ﬂeshy skin folds; 6) large size; 7) spiracle remains open in adults. Family: Cryptobranchidae. Fitzinger, 1826 Order: Caudata | Family: Cryptobranchidae

Andrias japonicus Order: Caudata | Family: Cryptobranchidae

Andrias davidianus Order: Caudata | Family: Cryptobranchidae

GA Native Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Order: Caudata | Family: Cryptobranchidae

GA Native Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Family: Hynobiidae. Cope, 1859

Asiatic salamanders found all over Asia, half are unique to Japan

Genera (10): Afghanodon Dubois and Raffaëlli, 2012 (1 sp.) Batrachuperus Boulenger, 1878 (5 sp.) Hynobius Tschudi, 1838 (37 sp.) Iranodon Dubois and Raffaëlli, 2012 (2 sp.) Liua Zhao and Hu, 1983 (2 sp.) Pachyhynobius Fei, Qu, and Wu, 1983 (1 sp.) Pseudohynobius Fei and Yang, 1983 (6 sp.) Ranodon Kessler, 1866 (1 sp.) Salamandrella Dybowski, 1870 (2 sp.) Onychodactylus Tschudi, 1838 (10 sp.)

Synapomorphies External fertilization, or spawning and males focus on egg sacs rather than females during breeding. The female lays two egg sacs at a time. Parental care is common.Can have very reduced lungs, or no lungs at all. Larvae can sometimes have reduced external gills if they live in cold and very oxygen-rich water. Family: Hynobiidae. Cope, 1859 Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Batrachuperus karlschmidti Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Batrachuperus tibetanus Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Hynobius yiwuensis Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Cannibal Morph

Hynobius retardatus Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Hynobius kimurae Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Hynobius nebulosus Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Iranodon gorganensis Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Ranodon sibiricus Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Salamandrella keyserlingii Order: Caudata | Family: Hynobiidae

Onychodactylus kinneburi Sirenidae. Gray, 1825

The Sirens are a family of aquatic salamanders from the southeastern US and northern Mexico.

Genera (2): Pseudobranchus Gray, 1825 (2 sp.) Siren Österdam, 1766 (2 sp.)

Synapomorphies Aquatic. Sirenids have very small fore limbs, and lack hind limbs altogether. In contrast to most other salamanders, they have external gills bunched together on the neck in both larval and paedomorphic adult states. Although they are primarily carnivorous, they are the only salamanders observed eating plant material, and have a keratinized beak. Sirenidae. Gray, 1825 Order: Caudata | Family: Sirenidae

GA Native Siren lacertina Order: Caudata | Family: Sirenidae

GA Native Siren intermedia Order: Caudata | Family: Sirenidae

GA Native Pseudobranchus striatus Order: Caudata | Family: Sirenidae

Pseudobranchus striatus GA Native Ambystomatidae. Gray, 1850 (37 sp.)

The Mole Salamanders are a family of aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial salamanders from North America.

Genera (2): Ambystoma Tschudi, 1838 (33 sp.) Dicamptodon Strauch, 1870 (4 sp.)

Synapomorphies Terrestrial mole salamanders are identiﬁed by having wide, protruding eyes, prominent costal grooves, and thick arms. Some are facultatively paedomorphic, others are obligates. The majority of ambystomatids metamorphose into terrestrial adults. This is Mark’s favorite group of salamanders. Ambystomatidae. Gray, 1850 (37 sp.) Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma dumerilii Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma mexicanum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma annulatum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma maculatum GA Native Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

GA Native Ambystoma cingulatum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma gracile Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma rosaceum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

GA Native Ambystoma tigrinum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma texanum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma taylori Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma macrodactylum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma jeffersonianum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma laterale Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma jeffersonianum Ambystoma laterale

Hybridize for form a unisexual, clonal, sperm parasite = Kleptogen Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma mabeei Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma malvortium Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma granulosum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

GA Native Ambystoma talpoideum Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma barbouri Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Ambystoma rivulare Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Dicamptodon sp. Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Dicamptodon ensatus Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Dicamptodon aterrimus Order: Caudata | Family: Ambystomatidae

Dicamptodon tenebrosus Salamandridae. Goldfuss, 1820 (120 sp.) The salamandrids are the family of true salamanders and newts. They are restricted to the northern hemisphere: North America, Europe, Asia and North Africa.

Genera (22): Calotriton Gray, 1858 (2 sp.) | Cynops Tschudi, 1838 (10 sp.) Echinotriton Nussbaum and Brodie, 1982 (3 sp.) | Euproctus Gené, 1838 (2 sp.) Ichthyosaura Sonnini de Manoncourt and Latreille, 1801 (1 sp.) | Laotriton Dubois, 2009 (1 sp.) Liangshantriton Fei, Ye, and Jiang, 2012 (1 sp.) | Lissotriton Bell, 1839 (11 sp.) Neurergus Cope, 1862 (4 sp.) | Notophthalmus Raﬁnesque, 1820 (3 sp.) Ommatotriton Gray, 1850 (3 sp.) | Pachytriton Boulenger, 1878 (9 sp.) Paramesotriton Chang, 1935 (14 sp.) | Pleurodeles Michahelles, 1830 (3 sp.) Taricha Gray, 1850 (4 sp.) | Triturus Raﬁnesque, 1815 (9 sp.) Tylototriton Anderson, 1871 (22 sp.) | Chioglossa Bocage, 1864 (1 sp.) Lyciasalamandra Veith and Steinfartz, 2004 (7 sp.) | Mertensiella Wolterstorff, 1925 (1 sp.) Salamandra Garsault, 1764 (7 sp.) | Salamandrina Fitzinger, 1826 (2 sp.)

Synapomorphies Salamandrids are distinguished from other salamanders by the lack of costal grooves along the sides of their bodies and by their rough skin. Some salamandrids posses aggregated poison glands behind their heads called parotoid glands, but many of them are toxic, posses aposematic coloration or defensive postures. Salamandridae. Goldfuss, 1820 (120 sp.) VENOMOUS VS POISONOUS

MANY SPECIES OF AMPHIBIANS ARE POISONOUS. IN SALAMANDERS, THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE WITH THE NEWTS, OR SALAMANDRIDS.

TECHNICALLY, SNAKES ARE NOT POISONOUS THEY ARE VENOMOUS THEY INJECT THEIR TOXIN INTO THE PREY

A GOOD WAY TO REMEMBER THE DIFFERENCE IS: IF YOU BITE IT AND YOU DIE, THEN THAT IS POISON IF IT BITES YOU AND YOU DIE, THAT’S VENOM Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Salamandrina perspicillata Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Calotriton arnoldi Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Cynops orientalis Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Cynops cyanurus chuxiongensis Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Echinotriton andersoni Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Laotriton laoensis Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Euproctus platycephalus Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Neurergus strauchii Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Neurergus kaiseri Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Ichthyosaura alpestris Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Lissotriton vulgaris Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Ommatotriton vittatus Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Pachytriton sp. Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Pachytriton labiatus Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Paramesotriton hongkongensis Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Lyciasalamandra helverseni Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Lyciasalamandra atifi Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Triturus marmoratus Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Triturus cristitatus Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Pleurodeles waltl Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Journal of Zoology

Journal of Zoology. Print ISSN 0952-8369 Hurt yourself to hurt your enemy: new insights on the function of the bizarre antipredator mechanism in the salamandrid Pleurodeles waltl E. Heiss1, N. Natchev1, D. Salaberger2, M. Gumpenberger3, A. Rabanser4 & J. Weisgram1 1 Department of Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria 2 Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, Campus Wels, Wels, Austria 3 Clinic of Radiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria 4 Department of Statistics and Decision Support Systems, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Keywords Abstract antipredator behaviour; urodeles; salamander; rib. The Spanish ribbed newt Pleurodeles waltl shows a bizzare defensive mechanism against predators. X-ray analysis before and after a simulated threat shows that Correspondence this newt rotates its ribs anteriorly. The maximum measured angle to which the Egon Heiss, Department of Theoretical ribs moved was 651. This forward movement causes the sharply pointed rib tips to Biology, University of Vienna, lacerate the body wall and project freely from the sides of the trunk as spines. Light Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Vienna, microscopy shows the microanatomy, and computed tomography shows the 3D Austria. morphology of these unusual weapons. They are ‘spear-shaped’ and hollow Email: [email protected] proximally, massive distally and are connected to the corresponding vertebra by a well-developed, two-headed joint. The skin in the penetration areas lacks perma- Editor: Tim Halliday nent pores through which the ribs could be projected and is pierced de novo by every antipredator posturing. This investigation provides new insight into the Received 25 May 2009; revised 13 July 2009; functionality of a highly complex, integrated and unusual defensive strategy. accepted 14 July 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.2009.00631.x

Introduction (1879). This author examined preserved and living material and rebutted earlier (orally referred) notions that the lateral Amphibians are an essential part of the natural food chain. spines of this animal were horny structures. Leydig sug- Being numerous, small to moderate in size and having soft gested that the lateral spines of P. waltl are ribs that lie in a skin, some of them are common prey for a huge variety of lymphatic sheath immediately beneath the skin. A study predators from all classes of vertebrates, as well as for performed 99 years later by Nowak & Brodie Jr (1978) certain arthropods (Duellman & Trueb, 1994). Amphibians yielded similar conclusions. have therefore evolved various morphological, physiologi- The present study shows new information on the cal and behavioural features, which, alone or in combina- morphological and functional integration of the body wall tion, provide varying degrees of protection from potential and the ribs. It also provides new data on how P. waltl predators (Duellman & Trueb, 1994; Heiss et al., 2009). protrudes its ribs and on the mechanism in the framework of These features include escape behaviour, cryptic colora- the antipredator behaviour. We apply photo- and X-ray tion and structure, noxiousness or toxicity and encounter imaging along with computed tomography (CT) to examine behaviour (Duellman & Trueb, 1994). Among urodeles, the the (micro-) anatomical features of the ribs and histological family Salamandridae has the greatest diversity of antipre- techniques to study the emersion point of the ribs. We also dator mechanisms (Brodie Jr, Nussbaum & DiGiovanni, discuss possible mechanisms preventing self-intoxication 1984). In the salamandrid genus Pleurodeles and in the or microbial infection that could result from damaging closely related genus Echinotriton, unique strategies to the integrity of the skin. In this context, it is important to decrease palatability and increase survival rates have been clarify whether the tips of the ribs really penetrate the skin described (Nowak & Brodie Jr, 1978; Brodie Jr, 1983; or remain covered by integument. If the rib tips are un- Brodie Jr et al., 1984). When attacked by a potential coated, it should be determined whether the skin of P. waltl predator (or provoked with an adequate artiﬁcial stimulus), shows distinct and permanent pores or whether the body sharp spines appear on the lateral trunk sides. This phenom- wall is penetrated de novo by every single antipredator enon was ﬁrst mentioned in Pleurodeles waltl by Leydig posturing.

156 Journal of Zoology 280 (2010) 156–162 c 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation c 2009 The Zoological Society of London

Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Tylototriton shanjing

Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Tylototriton shanjing Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Tylototriton verrucosus Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Tylototriton kweichowensis Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Taricha tarosa Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Taricha rivularis Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

GA Native Notophthalmus viridescens Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

GA Native Notophthalmus perstriatus Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Salamandra atra pasubiensis Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Salamandra salamandra Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Salamandra seminovi Order: Caudata | Family: Salamandridae

Salamandra salamandra bernardezi Proteidae. Bonaparte, 1831

Aquatic salamanders found in the Balkan Peninsula and North America. The mudpuppies from southern central Canada, through the midwestern United States, east to North Carolina and south to Georgia and Mississippi. The range of the olm, the only extant member of the genus Proteus, is limited to the Western Balkans.

Genera (2): Necturus Raﬁnesque, 1819 (7 sp.) Proteus Laurenti, 1768 (1 sp.)

Synapomorphies Neotenic. Absence of eyelids and a lack of maxilary bones in the upper jaw. They show a degree of parental care, tending to the eggs after attaching them to submerged stones and logs. Proteid salamanders range in size from 28 centimetres (11 in) to 40 centimetres (16 in) in length. Proteidae. Bonaparte, 1831 Order: Caudata | Family: Proteidae

GA Native Necturus maculosus Order: Caudata | Family: Proteidae

GA Native Necturus alabamensis Order: Caudata | Family: Proteidae

Necturus beyeri Order: Caudata | Family: Proteidae

GA Native Necturus punctatus Order: Caudata | Family: Proteidae

Proteus anguinus Order: Caudata | Family: Proteidae

Proteus anguinus Rhyacotritonidae. Tihen, 1958 (4 sp.)

Torrent salamanders found in extreme western North America.

Genera (1): Rhyacotriton Dunn, 1920 (4 sp.)

Synapomorphies Small (<80 mm) semi aquatic salamanders with aquatic larvae. They may represent remnants of an early radiation of salamanders. Members are small and stocky bodied, with large eyes and a semi-aquatic lifestyle and vestigial lungs. Fertilization is internal, and large, unpigmented eggs are laid beneath rocks or in crevices of cold clear water. There are 4 species in this genus. Some morphological characters for this family are: 1) squared glands posterior to vent; 2) bright yellow/yellow-green venter. Rhyacotritonidae. Tihen, 1958 (4 sp.) Order: Caudata | Family: Rhyacotritonidae

Rhyacotriton cascadae Order: Caudata | Family: Rhyacotritonidae

Rhyacotriton olympicus Order: Caudata | Family: Rhyacotritonidae

Rhyacotriton variegatus Amphiumidae. Gray, 1825

Amphiuma is a genus of aquatic salamanders found in south eastern North America.

Genera (1): Amphiuma Garden, 1821

Synapomorphies Amphiumas are large, aquatic, eel-like salamanders (up to 1 m), with 4 very reduced limbs. Females guard their eggs, which are laid on land but hatch as aquatic larvae. Tail is laterally compressed and makes up one third of the total body length. These are paedomorphic salamanders, retaining the larval features of no eyelids or tongue, open spiracle, a lateral line system, and four internal gill arches. They have been known to live up to 27 years. Some morphological characters for this group are: 1) premaxillae fused; 2) pterygoid reduced; 3) limbs and toes reduced (3, 2, or 1 toe per foot species-speciﬁc character). Amphiumidae. Gray, 1825 Order: Caudata | Family: Amphiumidae

GA Native Amphiuma means Order: Caudata | Family: Amphiumidae

Amphiuma tridactylum Order: Caudata | Family: Amphiumidae

GA Native Amphiuma pholeter Plethodontidae. Gray, 1850 (471 sp.)

The Lungless Salamanders occur in extreme southern Alaska and Nova Scotia (Canada) south to eastern Brazil and central Bolivia; southern Europe; Korea.

Genera (29): Aquiloeurycea Rovito, Parra-Olea, Recuero, and Wake, 2015 (6 sp.) |Batrachoseps Bonaparte, 1839 (21 sp.) Bolitoglossa Duméril, Bibron, and Duméril, 1854 (132 sp.) |Bradytriton Wake and Elias, 1983 (1 sp.) Chiropterotriton Taylor, 1944 (16 sp.) | Cryptotriton García-París and Wake, 2000 (7 sp.) Dendrotriton Wake and Elias, 1983 (8 sp.) |Eurycea Raﬁnesque, 1822 (33 sp.) Gyrinophilus Cope, 1869 (4 sp.) | Hemidactylium Tschudi, 1838 (1 sp.) Isthmura Dubois and Raffaelli, 2012 (7 sp.) | Ixalotriton Wake and Johnson, 1989 (2 sp.) Nototriton Wake and Elias, 1983 (20 sp.) | Nyctanolis Elias and Wake, 1983 (1 sp.) Oedipina Keferstein, 1868 (38 sp.) | Parvimolge Taylor, 1944 (1 sp.) Pseudoeurycea Taylor, 1944 (39 sp.) | Pseudotriton Tschudi, 1838 (3 sp.) Stereochilus Cope, 1869 (1 sp.) | Thorius Cope, 1869 (29 sp.) Aneides Baird, 1851 (8 sp.) | Desmognathus Baird, 1850 (24 sp.) Ensatina Gray, 1850 (1 sp.) | Hydromantes Gistel, 1848 (3 sp.) Karsenia Min, Yang, Bonett, Vieites, Brandon, and Wake, 2005 (1 sp.) Phaeognathus Highton, 1961 (1 sp.) | Plethodon Tschudi, 1838 (54 sp.) Speleomantes Dubois, 1984 (8 sp.) | Urspelerpes Camp, Peterman, Milanovich, Lamb, Maerz, & Wake, 2009 (1 sp.) Plethodontidae. Gray, 1850 (471 sp.)

The Lungless Salamanders occur in extreme southern Alaska and Nova Scotia (Canada) south to eastern Brazil and central Bolivia; southern Europe; Korea.

Synapomorphies The largest family of extant salamanders with over 400 species. All members of this assemblage lack lungs and possess naso-labial grooves which aid in chemoreception. This group was thought to have arisen out of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, which remains a biodiversity hotspot for this family. Members within this group have adapted to stream, arboreal, terrestrial, fossorial and cave habitats. Most species are direct developers.

With only a handful of exceptions, this family is found in the New World and extends from southern Canada down through Bolivia and Brazil. The exceptions to the New World include six species in the Middle Western Mediterranean in Europe (members of the genus Hydromantes, which also occurs in California) and a single species known from Asia (Karsenia). It includes the only group of tropical salamanders which account for about 2/3 of the species and 40% of all salamanders. Generalized in body form with four ﬁngers and ﬁve toes (except when reduced to four toes in miniaturized species). Some morphological characters for this group are: 1) pterygoid absent; 2) nasolabial groove present; 3) lacrimals absent; 4) otic and occipital elements fused; 5) elongate, up to 60 vertebrae Plethodontidae. Gray, 1850 (471 sp.) Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Aquiloeurycea scandens Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Aquiloeurycea cephalica Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Batrachoseps attenuatus Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Bradytriton silus Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Bolitoglossa mulleri Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Bolitoglossa dunni Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Bolitoglossa dunni SALAMANDER FEEDING

EVEN SLOWED DOWN WITH A HIGH SPEED VIDEO CAMERA, THE BOLITOGLOSSA’S TONGUES ARE FAST SALAMANDER FEEDING

WITH A REGULAR CAMERA, ALL YOU CAN SEE ARE FLASHES AND BUGS DISAPPEARING Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Eurycea lucifuga Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Eurycea guttolineata Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Eurycea spelaea Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Eurycea subfluvicola Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Eurycea rathbuni Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Isthmura belli Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Nototriton sp. Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Hemidactylium scutatum Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Gyrinophilus porphyriticus Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Gyrinophilus palleucus Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Nyctanolis pernix Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Oedipina taylori Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Oedipina pacificensis Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Aneides aeneus GREEN SALAMANDERS ARE EXCELLENT CLIMBERS Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Pseudotriton ruber Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Pseudoeurycea galeanae Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Desmognathus monticola Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Desmognathus conanti Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Ensatina eschscholtzii Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Ensatina eschscholtzii platensis Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Hydromantes platycephalus Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Hydromantes platycephalus SALAMANDER FEEDING NOT ONLY DO SALAMANDERS POSSES THE FASTEST TONGUE KNOWN TO SCIENCE, BUT THEY HAVE THE LONGEST PROPORTIONAL TONGUES KNOWN TO SCIENCE. YES, INCLUDING CHAMAELEONS.

HIGH SPEED VIDEO OF HYDROMANTES FEEDING Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Phaeognathus hubrichti Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

Plethodon shermani Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Plethodon serratus Order: Caudata | Family: Plethodontidae

GA Native Plethodon glutinosus Tune in next time for Anura

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